Dvorak, Paris named associate deans

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – In preparation for the 64th year in Oklahoma Christian University (OC) history, the school announced two appointments to strengthen its academic leadership team.

Vice President for Academic Affairs Scott LaMascus said that Jim Dvorak will serve Oklahoma Christian as associate dean for teaching and learning while Lee Anne Paris will serve as associate dean for academics.

“I’m excited to have these two talented individuals working to help ensure OC remains ‘best in class’ for excellence in teaching,” LaMascus said. “They have proven to be exceptional leaders in the latest technology and teaching strategies, with a strong emphasis on students’ learning. With their experience, they can help us understand what works and help our high-quality outcomes for alumni grow even stronger in the future.”

In 10 years at Oklahoma Christian, Dvorak has taught in OC’s College of Biblical Studies and Graduate School of Theology in addition to his role as director of the North Institute for Teaching and Learning.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in Bible from Oklahoma Christian in 1995, a master of divinity degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in 2001, and a master’s degree in education and human development from George Washington University in 2004.

In 2012, he earned a Ph.D. in Christian theology from McMaster Divinity College, where he studied under renowned scholar Stanley E. Porter.

“Dr. Dvorak is a scholar in biblical studies and has proven himself to be an innovative teacher whose work contributes to the well-being of the church,” LaMascus said. “He not only understands current technologies, but sees what is on the cutting edge and helps OC adopt the best practices that enhance our bedrock values of faith, learning and leadership.”

Paris came to Oklahoma Christian in 1998. She has served as president of OC’s Faculty Association in addition to her role as associate professor of library science. Her responsibilities include reference, bibliographic instruction, collection development, and maintenance of the library’s website.

As the daughter of missionaries, Paris spent most of her childhood in Campinas, Brazil. She received her bachelor’s degree in English and Portuguese from Vanderbilt University, her master of library and information science degree from the University of Oklahoma, and her doctorate in information and library science from the University of North Carolina.

“Dr. Paris has been a leader in OC’s library and instruction for many years,” LaMascus said. “Through her leadership in the Faculty Association, she has shown a vision for how to help us understand our academic policies and practices, our assessment of programs, and the evolving world of national accreditation.”

Oklahoma Christian is ranked as one of the best universities in the western region by U.S. News and World Report. Last week, The Princeton Review again listed Oklahoma Christian among the best colleges in the west, a distinction that places the university among the top 25 percent of all four-year schools nationwide.